Senior Financial Planning Analyst

This senior role will lead strategic financial planning, analysis and reporting within the Finance team as requested by the Director of Finance and the Deputy Director of Finance/ Director of FP&A.

Reporting to the Director of FP&A and working closely with the Executive Director/ Deputy Director of Finance they will lead on developing key finance analytics, including further development and implementation of IBM TM1 planning analytics alongside the existing project team, and providing first class insight and analysis both in terms of identified themes and projects but will also help shape and deliver future initiatives and areas of insight for the institution.

The role will also lead on providing high quality technical and analytical support through the development and implementation of a Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) function for the Finance Directorate, producing insightful analysis and issue resolution and continuously improve processes and procedures to support efficient and effective operations within a strong internal control environment.

They will contribute as a senior manager to ensure the provision of a strategic, professional, effective and solution focused FP&A services which align to the achievement of the University's Finance Strategy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead and support with the development of the University's Financial Planning & Analysis function, providing strategic oversight and direct support to the Executive Director & Deputy Director of Finance/ Director of FP&A for ad hoe requests and expert analysis to support decision making and development of strategy
• Provide leadership in the creation and oversight of the FP&A portfolio framework designed to test and challenge: KPis; strategic, tactical and operational objectives; financial risk; and financial governance. This will include sourcing, analysing and evaluating financial information from across the University, using insight and expertise to draw conclusions and make recommendations
• Present findings and recommendations to inform and support strategic decision making at Senior Management Group, Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Court and to external stakeholders
• Lead an on-going programme of financial analysis and review of all departmental financial management information, tools, templates and reporting processes, ensuring recommendations for continuous improvement are reported, considered, implemented and measured. This will include managing cross functional resources including central finance, college finance, systems and external providers to specify, develop and implement an integrated budget and forecasting solution
• Lead the development of the University's FP&A reporting blueprint defining when and how the strategic objectives will be baselined and tracked. Identify and proactively mitigate the major strategic risks relating to FP&A activities

2. People Management

• Support the Director of FP&A in leading, motivating and developing the FP&A team, ensuring behaviours and attitudes reflect University values. In doing so promote a continuous improvement approach, ensuring that the team applies appropriate professional standards and demonstrates a culture of ownership and accountability to ensure the delivery of excellent services and financial awareness and governance
• Build organisational capability in FP&A, developing analytical, reporting and systems skills within the team

3. Process Efficiency and Effectiveness

• The role holder will be expected to play a lead role in optimising the service that the team provide and remove duplication and wasted effort. They will have a clear understanding of the needs of the customer base and will work to provide an effective service level delivery

Our client is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.